If you have ever felt that you are not living authentically and have ever wondered if there is a gap between who you truly are and who you are being in the world, you are not alone. It's one of the most important distinctions you can make in your personal and professional development yet many women struggle with aligning their authentic self with their actions and choices.
Below we will explore the difference between who you truly are and who you are being, and how you can bridge the gap between them. We will also share some tips and exercises to help you discover and express your true self more fully.
Who You Truly Are
Who you truly are is your essence, your core, your soul. It is the part of you that is eternal, unchanging, and unique. It is the source of your gifts, talents, passions, and purpose. It is the part of you that knows what you really want and what makes you happy.
Who you truly are is not defined by your roles, labels, achievements, or possessions. It is not affected by your circumstances, opinions, or expectations of others. It is not limited by your fears, doubts, or insecurities. It is the part of you that is always free, powerful, and creative.
Who You Are Being
Who you are being is your expression, your behaviour, your personality. It is the part of you that interacts with the world and shows up in different situations. It is the part of you that adapts, learns, and grows. It is the part of you that makes decisions and takes actions.
Who you are being is influenced by your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and values. It is also influenced by your environment, culture, and society. It is the part of you that can change over time and vary from moment to moment. It is the part of you that has choices, challenges, and opportunities.
The Gap Between Who You Truly Are and Who You Are Being
Ideally, who you truly are and who you are being should be aligned and congruent. This means that your expression reflects your essence, and your actions are consistent with your values. This also means that you are living authentically and fulfilling your potential.
However, sometimes there can be a gap between who you truly are and who you are being. This can happen for various reasons, such as:
- You are not aware of who you truly are or what you really want.
- You are afraid of being judged, rejected, or criticized for being yourself.
- You are trying to please others or fit in with their expectations.
- You are conforming to social norms or cultural standards that do not resonate with you.
- You are compromising your values or integrity for short-term gains or benefits.
- You are avoiding conflict or discomfort by hiding or suppressing your true feelings or opinions.
- You are settling for less than what you deserve or desire.
When there is a gap between who you truly are and who you are being, you may experience some negative consequences, such as:
- You feel unhappy, dissatisfied, or unfulfilled with your life.
- You feel disconnected from yourself and others.
- You feel confused, conflicted, or restless.
- You feel stressed, anxious, or depressed.
- You feel bored, stagnant, or stuck.
- You feel resentful, angry, or guilty.
- You feel insecure, inadequate, or unworthy.
How to Bridge the Gap Between Who You Truly Are and Who You Are Being
The good news is that you can bridge the gap between who you truly are and who you are being by taking some simple steps:
1) Discovering who you truly are. This involves getting in touch with your inner self and exploring your values, passions, strengths, and purpose. You can do this by asking yourself some questions such as:
- What do I love to do?
- What am I good at?
- What makes me happy?
- What matters most to me?
- What do I stand for?
- What do I want to contribute to the world?
You can also use some tools such as personality tests (e.g., Myers-Briggs), strengths assessments (e.g., VIA), or vision boards to help you gain more clarity about yourself.
2) Express who you truly are. This involves showing up as yourself in every situation and letting your authentic voice be heard. You can do this by:
- Speaking your truth with honesty and kindness.
- Sharing your opinions and perspectives with confidence and respect.
- Expressing your feelings and emotions with openness and vulnerability.
- Pursuing your interests and hobbies with enthusiasm and joy.
- Following your dreams and goals with courage and determination.
3) Align who you truly are with who you are being. This involves making choices and taking actions that reflect your true self and support your vision. You can do this by:
- Setting boundaries and saying no to things that do not serve you or align with your values.
- Saying yes to things that excite you and challenge you to grow.
- Seeking opportunities and experiences that enrich your life and expand your horizons.
- Creating habits and routines that nourish your body, mind, and soul.
- Surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and support you.
By discovering, expressing, and aligning who you truly are with who you are being, you will be able to bridge the gap between them and live a more authentic, fulfilling, and meaningful life. You will also be able to inspire others to do the same and create a positive impact in the world.
By|womenwhoslay @womenwhoslay